Influence of glycopolymers structure on the copolymerization reaction and on their binding behavior with lectins

The copolymerization of two glycomonomers bearing lactonolactone and maltonolactone pendant groups with methyl acrylate is here described. The synthesis and characterization of these glycomonomers are fully presented. The analysis of monomer reactivity ratios of both copolymerization systems is performed and compared to those previously obtained for glycomonomers bearing glucosamine and gluconolactone pendant groups. The glass transition temperature is also analyzed as a function of their structure and finally, the molecular recognition behavior is tested against two lectins, Concanavalin A and Ricinus communis Agglutinin.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Glycomonomers bearing unprotected aminosaccharide moieties are firstly synthesized. ► Copolymerization with methyl acrylate is established by glycomonomer structure. ► Glycopolymer structure is responsible of their thermal properties. ► Carbohydrate–lectin binding is influenced by the glycopolymer structure.